by Cheryl Jerabek
Country Bougie Nail Shop brings a touch of personal pampering to our community. Located at 217 W. Main Street in Naturita, Country Bougie is just a hop, skip, and a jump from Norwood, offering manicures, pedicures, clean-ups, and gel and acrylic nails. Once a month, owner Mandie Atkins makes her manicure services available at the Community Center in Norwood.
Mandie’s nail business began in California where she lived before her heart brought her to Naturita.
“Every year since I was five years old, my family and I would come to Naturita to visit relatives and to hunt,” Mandie explained. “I love the beautiful land but most of all, I love the people. I always wanted to live here. And…now I do.”
When they retired, Mandie’s parents decided to make the West End their home. In November of 2020, Mandie and her two daughters made a bold decision to relocate to the area as well. Country Bougie was established in Naturita, a vibrant addition to the new beginning.
“The communities of Norwood and Naturita were very warm and welcoming,” Mandie. commented. “Now I try to give back what I was given. If I see a need within the community, I reach out when I can.”
A member of the Norwood Chamber of Commerce of Wright’s Mesa, Mandie and her daughter who works at San Miguel Veterinarian Clinic are active in assisting kids in 4H. “We’ve helped with caring for animals as well as in showing them.”
In addition to being involved in 4H, Mandie has a heart for senior citizens and offers those who are 65 and over a discount on their services at the shop.
“My grandmother had Alzheimer’s so that is a charity organization that means a lot to me,” Mandie went on to say. “Another cause I am involved in is Halt the Delores. I’m doing what I can to make a difference in that matter. This is my home so I’m passionate about keeping it like it is.”
Mandie is also a member of the Nucla-Naturita Area Chamber of Commerce where she stays as active as possible.
When asked about the nail shop’s unique name, Mandie was quick to answer, “Bougie is different and has a nice ring to it, and I’ve always been country at heart, so Country Bougie just made sense.”
What does the future hold for Mandie and Country Bougie Nail Shop? “I plan to continue to make strides forward, improving nail services and offering new products when possible, such as my new Tammy Talor nail products that I am super excited about.”
“It’s all fun and games until somebody breaks a nail,” a post on the shop’s Facebook site reads, which seems to sum up Country Bougie’s position within the two communities – where health meets happiness, blending the essentials of self-care with a little glitz and glamour.
Mandie hopes to become even more active in the Norwood community – making additional manicure and pedicure services available in town and supporting local events and initiatives that enrich the lives of its residents.